The article "Control of Brain Development, Function, and Behavior by the Microbiome" by Timothy R. Sampson and Sarkis K. Mazmanian reviews the emerging evidence that the gut microbiome influences brain development, function, and behavior. The authors highlight the intimate and lifelong partnership between animals and their resident microbial species, collectively known as the microbiota. They discuss how gut bacteria can impact neurological outcomes, altering behavior and potentially affecting the onset and severity of nervous system disorders. The review covers the mechanisms by which the microbiome extends its influence to the brain through various pathways connecting the gut to the central nervous system. Key points include: 1. **Mood and Anxiety**: Studies show that germ-free (GF) mice exhibit altered stress responses and anxiety-like behaviors compared to those colonized with a diverse microbial population. Probiotic supplementation can modulate anxiety and depression-like behaviors in both animal models and humans. 2. **Social Behaviors**: The presence and composition of the microbiota influence social behaviors, such as mate preference and social cognition. For example, flies colonized with L. plantarum prefer to mate with similarly colonized flies, altering their pheromone production. 3. **Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)**: ASD is associated with altered gut microbiota, increased intestinal permeability, and changes in serum metabolites. Treatment with specific probiotics can restore some of these defects, suggesting a potential role for the microbiome in ASD etiology. 4. **Neurophysiological Changes**: The microbiome can alter neurophysiological functions, such as neurotransmitter levels and BBB integrity. For instance, GF mice show decreased serotonin levels and increased BBB permeability, which can be restored by specific microbial species or metabolites. 5. **Immune System and Neurological Function**: The immune system, influenced by the microbiome, can also impact neurological function. Pro-inflammatory cytokines can mediate sickness behavior and depressive disorders by altering serotonin signaling. The authors conclude that the gut-microbiome-brain connection is a rapidly growing area of research with significant implications for understanding and treating neurological disorders. They emphasize the need for further research to identify specific microbial signals and host pathways involved in these processes, as well as to differentiate between developmental and active influences of the microbiome on neurological function.The article "Control of Brain Development, Function, and Behavior by the Microbiome" by Timothy R. Sampson and Sarkis K. Mazmanian reviews the emerging evidence that the gut microbiome influences brain development, function, and behavior. The authors highlight the intimate and lifelong partnership between animals and their resident microbial species, collectively known as the microbiota. They discuss how gut bacteria can impact neurological outcomes, altering behavior and potentially affecting the onset and severity of nervous system disorders. The review covers the mechanisms by which the microbiome extends its influence to the brain through various pathways connecting the gut to the central nervous system. Key points include: 1. **Mood and Anxiety**: Studies show that germ-free (GF) mice exhibit altered stress responses and anxiety-like behaviors compared to those colonized with a diverse microbial population. Probiotic supplementation can modulate anxiety and depression-like behaviors in both animal models and humans. 2. **Social Behaviors**: The presence and composition of the microbiota influence social behaviors, such as mate preference and social cognition. For example, flies colonized with L. plantarum prefer to mate with similarly colonized flies, altering their pheromone production. 3. **Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)**: ASD is associated with altered gut microbiota, increased intestinal permeability, and changes in serum metabolites. Treatment with specific probiotics can restore some of these defects, suggesting a potential role for the microbiome in ASD etiology. 4. **Neurophysiological Changes**: The microbiome can alter neurophysiological functions, such as neurotransmitter levels and BBB integrity. For instance, GF mice show decreased serotonin levels and increased BBB permeability, which can be restored by specific microbial species or metabolites. 5. **Immune System and Neurological Function**: The immune system, influenced by the microbiome, can also impact neurological function. Pro-inflammatory cytokines can mediate sickness behavior and depressive disorders by altering serotonin signaling. The authors conclude that the gut-microbiome-brain connection is a rapidly growing area of research with significant implications for understanding and treating neurological disorders. They emphasize the need for further research to identify specific microbial signals and host pathways involved in these processes, as well as to differentiate between developmental and active influences of the microbiome on neurological function.